THIS LETTER is in response to the recent news 'Proud a mi bleaching - Skin-bleachers defend their action despite health and cultural warnings'.

Those of us who are politically and social conscious, with a basic understanding of history, were not surprised by the skin-bleaching epidemic. As a people, we are evidently trying to come to terms with our slavery past, unfortunately in destructive ways, in a nation that claims to have transcended race.

'Out of many one people' is our motto. Among the evidence of this blatant hypocrisy is the extinction of the Arawak Indians whose very image graces our coat of arms. You have to wonder if we are honouring the Arawaks or making a mockery of them. Furthermore, is it a coincidence that the image of black people is not represented on the coat of arms?

In reality, our nation was built on the foundation of hypocrisy. Prior to Independence the policies and attitudes of our leaders were guided along racial lines. After Independence we struggle to look in the mirror and like what we see after centuries of oppression. The consequences of our past are evident in light of the political, social and economic chaos that plagues our nation.

Race still an issue

Knowledge of self is a basic, fundamental concept that institutions, primarily those in education, must encourage, particularly in a post-slavery society.

However, we continue to live with the notion that race is no longer an issue, in light of indisputable evidence, and relegate self-hatred behaviours like skin-bleaching solely to unhealthy conduct on the part of the individuals, rather than a systemic problem caused by centuries of neglect. Our denial is due to ignorance and the sensitive nature of the issue. As a result, we are quick to blame the victims who were essentially taught to hate themselves.

Consequently, justice in a post-slavery society must consist of acknowledging our past and implementing programmes to address the psychosocial trauma caused by centuries of neglect.

I am, etc.,

NORM EDMONSON

bigupja2@hotmail.com